In the temple area, after Jesus told those in authority the Parable of the Tenants they tried to find a way to arrest him, but fearing the people who were in favor of Jesus they left. Then they sent some other people to try to trap Jesus by his own words. This story is found in Mark 12:13-17.
The Pharisees were leaders especially concerned about financial matters and those of tithing. The Herodians were most likely members of the family of Herod who had given their loyalty to Rome even before Jesus was born. After Herod died a dispute had arisen regarding the inheritance of property and Caesar Augustus settled the dispute and divided the property between three brothers. This is the group of people who were sent to ask Jesus about the payment of taxes. Was it right or wrong to pay taxes to Caesar or not?
Jesus asked them an interesting question – “‘Why are you trying to trap me?” Sometimes I’ve heard people say they think the Bible has too many stories that are contradictory. I wonder if some people who read the Bible are sometimes seeking a way today to show that Jesus’ teachings are false or that in some way we shouldn’t have to follow them. It seems sometimes that people are still trying to trap Jesus by his words so they can feel better about not submitting to God. Why do people do that? It must be that personal struggle and desire for total control over our decision making and lives, it is in part the struggle with our own selfishness and greed for the things of this world.
How did Jesus answer the question about paying taxes to Caesar? He asked the Pharisees and Herodians whose image was on the coin? They answered Caesar. Then pay him the taxes due him, but give to God what belongs to God.
Does this teaching ‘amaze’ you? It did them.
It’s easy for us to get caught up in this world with the things of this world and arguments about the things of this world. While many of Jesus’ teachings are used in matters of social justice, and in fact many of his teachings are concerned with matters of daily life on earth, we cannot forget that Jesus desires that we rend our hearts to God. People in authority who have a heart and mind for God and other people will not be attempting to overtax citizens. There are teachings where Jesus admonishes those in authority to care for the poor. There are teachings where Jesus says workers shouldn’t be jealous about another person’s salary. You see, Jesus came to save us from sin, not to save us from paying taxes. Jesus came to ask us to give our lives to God and to spend them loving him, ourselves and our neighbors. Greed for things in this world makes that difficult, but turning our hearts and minds towards God will help make life in this world better. Jesus knows this – that’s why he said give your life to God. The decisions we make then will be better for everyone.
Lord, capture people with your Love for them. Help us to turn our hearts and minds towards you. Give your Holy Spirit, as you have promised, to all people so those in authority will love and respect all persons. May your Holy Spirit be our guide and counselor Today Lord, I give you my heart, my mind, my soul, teach me how to live and love as you would have me live. AMEN
